Children’s Meal Time Policy

Rationale: to encourage children to develop positive attitudes towards eating.

Policy and recommended procedure:

• Bright Beginnings recognises that meal times are an important part of learning and socialisation, therefore children should be able to fully explore the concept of eating in a social setting. This will include being given the time to eat, learn and socialise, rather than be rushed through a meal
• Bright Beginnings understands that it takes multiple tries of a new food before children develop a taste for it. Staff will positively encourage children to try new foods, for example, take one bite before being offered an alternative. Children will not be physically forced or intimidated to eat, or be withheld food
• Children will be given the time and opportunity to make choices in regard to the food that is being offered
• Staff will have an awareness of individual needs, and work to ensure these individual needs are met. This will include having a sensitivity and respect for cultural issues related to food
• Staff will be role models to children at meal times. Staff will maintain consistent and realistic expectations for eating behaviours and apply appropriate rules and boundaries to table manners
• Bright Beginnings’ learning programme will incorporate discussions on healthy eating habits and will provide books and resources to encourage learning in this area
• Children will be given the opportunity to learn about where their food has come from and have the opportunity to assist in cooking meals and in growing vegetables and herbs for use in meals and composting
• Children will be encouraged to develop self-help skills, for example by learning to feed themselves, washing their hands before and after meal times, and putting away of plates and cups on the trolley
• A copy of the weekly menu will be available for parents to read and for children to check what is on each day’s menu. A  sample copy of Bright Beginnings’ rotational menu will be also included in the Parent Information Booklet for new enrolments
• Menus and procedures for mealtimes will be regularly evaluated and amended as necessary